The future of rugby league in the Cook Islands lies in the hands of league trainers and how they develop the skills of the younger generation. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.

This week, nearly 100 children braved the drizzling rain and wet conditions to get a chance to meet National Rugby League Women (NRLW) players and co-founders of CK Athletics, Cook Islander Kiana Takairangi and Corban Baxter, the NRLW vice-captain for the Roosters.

This free junior clinic at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia on Wednesday was also an opportunity for the children to learn the tricks and skills of rugby league from two of the best in the game.

While the island had been praying for rain after a four-to-five-month dry season, the torrential downpour all morning threatened to dampen the spirits. However, the show went on!

“We had an amazing day and are grateful for everyone who still showed up to brave the rain, and to everyone who helped us make this event possible,” CK Athletics stated.

NRLW star and CK Athletics co-founder Kiana Takairangi conducts junior rugby league clinic at Nukupure Park on Wednesday. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/24010315

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary Francis Toa acknowledged that the hot weather would have been too much for the children.

Toa explained this was Takairangi’s second visit to Rarotonga for the kids’ clinic programme.

Last year, they brought rugby balls and cones, which CIRL distributed, while holding back some equipment to support the ongoing development programme.

“We have changed the way we develop our juniors here because in the clubs there is always a limited number of coaches that can make themselves available and our team at Cook Islands Rugby League has a few certified coaches in junior development.”

CK Athletic co-founders Kiana Takairangi, right, and Corban Baxter, second from left, with Cook Islands Rugby League president Charles Carlson, left, secretary Francis Toa, third from right, and other officials. CIRL/ 24010515

Toa said they wanted to mimic junior development programmes currently running in Australia, to help children in the Cook Islands who are interested in rugby league reach overseas standards of training and development.

She expressed her gratitude to both the NRL players and the Takairangi family for their contributions.

Toa added that she respects Cook Islanders who have achieved success at a higher level and return home to give back to their community.

“For me in rugby league, a child’s dream is to be there in the NRL in Australia and if we can start creating pathways for them now, that will be an achievement.

“And just seeing the number of Cook Islanders playing at the international level is amazing.”